Speeches
Friday, 27 September 2024
Duke of Edinburgh Gold Awards Presentation
I am pleased to join you for the presentation of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Awards.
Since the awards were founded nearly 70 years ago, more than 775,000 young Australians have participated in the Duke of Edinburgh program.
You are now part of a multi-generational community of Australians driven by personal-growth, adventure and the desire to be of service to others.
Congratulations!
As gold award recipients, you have pushed limits, immersed yourselves in unfamiliar environments, overcome challenges, given back to the community, and made valuable contributions.
Through volunteering you have helped others while also gaining much for yourselves. I hope volunteering will always be part of who you are.
At the core of your participation has been developing leadership.
Last month ago I met two Royal Australian Air Force cadets who were completing their Gold Award.
They are Kshitij Sapdhare, now an adult Instructor of Cadets - and who is here today – as well as Andrzej Czechowicz.
When I asked what Duke of Ed had given them, they emphasised leadership capability.
South Australia has a rich history of leadership.
We were founded on the principles of a free democracy which encouraged diversity, free thinking, freedom of religion and free enterprise.
At the heart of leadership, in my experience at least, is the ability to actively to listen to others, share expertise, encourage others and embrace diversity.
Achievement isn’t a solitary pursuit. There are many who offer support, congratulations, or solace when times are tough.
I encourage each of you to remain involved through the National Duke of Edinburgh Alumni.
Being a leader in our community is also about exercising your civic rights and responsibilities.
Civic education is a focus of mine as Governor, and I encourage you to grow your knowledge of local and global issues of concern while playing an active role in building strong communities.
In this way, you are also preparing yourselves to be future leaders and active citizens of your workplaces, families and society.
By learning how to participate actively and make positive change, it will enable your generation to shape things for the future.
The actions you take matter. Casting your vote in elections once you turn 18 and possibly one day standing for election yourself.
Devoting your time and energy for causes you believe in and for people less fortunate than you, matters.
What role do you want to play in shaping our community?
Friends,
Thank you to award leaders, ambassadors, parents, friends, teachers, school and youth leaders and supporters for your support of our Gold Award recipients.
Congratulations once again to our gold award winners.
May you move forward with confidence, knowing you have the skills to build a fulfilling future for yourselves while positively contributing to South Australia society.